Planning a Kent Day Trip from London? Visit Buoy & Oyster

A day trip from London to the Kent coast is the perfect way to escape the city and enjoy fresh sea air, beautiful beaches, and exceptional food. If you are planning a Kent day trip from London, make Buoy & Oyster in Margate one of your must-visit destinations.

Combining fresh seasonal seafood, handcrafted drinks, stunning views across Margate Main Sands, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers everything you need for a memorable day by the sea.

Located on Margate's seafront, Buoy & Oyster has been an independent, family-run restaurant since 2015. Whether you are arriving for lunch, an afternoon by the beach, or an evening meal before heading home, the restaurant provides a true taste of the Kent coastline.

Make the Most of Your Day in Margate

Margate has become one of Kent's most popular coastal destinations, attracting visitors with its sandy beach, vibrant Old Town, independent shops, galleries, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. After spending the day exploring everything the town has to offer, Buoy & Oyster provides the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy exceptional food overlooking the sea.

Situated directly opposite Margate Main Sands, the restaurant allows guests to enjoy uninterrupted coastal views while dining in comfort.

Fresh, Seasonal Seafood

At the heart of Buoy & Oyster is a passion for responsibly sourced seafood and seasonal cooking.

We work closely with local suppliers and a Broadstairs-based fishmonger to create seafood-focused menus that reflect the changing seasons. Much of the fish and shellfish comes from day boats fishing the waters around Margate, Whitstable, Ramsgate, Folkestone, and Broadstairs, ensuring exceptional freshness.

The menu changes throughout the year, allowing guests to enjoy the very best ingredients available from the Kent coast.

Popular menu favourites include:

• Freshly shucked oysters

• Seafood platters

• Shellfish

• Seasonal fish dishes

• Traditional fish and chips

• Meat, vegetarian and vegan options

Whether you love seafood or are dining with friends who prefer other choices, there is something for everyone.

Visit the Seafood Bar

One of the highlights of Buoy & Oyster is its lively seafood bar.

Located beside the open-plan kitchen, the seafood bar offers a relaxed space where guests can enjoy freshly shucked oysters, shellfish, seafood platters and small plates while watching the chefs prepare each dish.

It is the perfect place to stop for lunch during your day trip or enjoy drinks before dinner while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Drinks to Complete Your Visit

No seaside escape is complete without a great drink, and Buoy & Oyster offers a carefully curated drinks menu designed to complement its seafood-led cuisine.

Guests can enjoy:

• Handcrafted classic and contemporary cocktails

• Carefully selected wines

• Local Kent wines and spirits

• Signature Bloody Marys

The seafood bar is especially popular for cocktails, making it an excellent place to unwind after exploring Margate. Whether you choose a refreshing cocktail, a glass of wine with your meal, or one of the restaurant's signature Bloody Marys served alongside oysters and seafood platters, every drink has been carefully selected to enhance your dining experience.

If you are visiting during the week, don't miss Oyster Happy Hour, available Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 5 pm, featuring 2-for-1 oysters and 2-for-1 margaritas in the seafood bar. It is a fantastic way to enjoy some of the restaurant's most popular food and drinks.

Dine with Stunning Sea Views

One of the biggest reasons guests return to Buoy & Oyster is its spectacular seafront setting.

The restaurant overlooks Margate Main Sands, offering beautiful views throughout the day. During the warmer months, the beachfront terrace provides the ideal setting for a leisurely lunch or an early evening meal while watching the sunset over the sea. Cosy blankets are available for evening bookings, allowing guests to enjoy the terrace in comfort.

The combination of fresh seafood, attentive service and panoramic coastal views makes every visit feel like a special occasion.

Turn Your Day Trip into an Overnight Stay

If one day in Margate does not feel long enough, Buoy & Oyster makes it easy to extend your visit.

The restaurant also offers four unique, design-led apartments located directly above the restaurant, with two featuring direct sea views. This allows guests to enjoy dinner downstairs before relaxing in stylish accommodation just moments from the beach.

The apartments accommodate up to 18 guests across four spaces, making them suitable for couples, families and groups looking to enjoy more time exploring Margate.

Why Visit Buoy & Oyster?

Buoy & Oyster offers everything you could want during a Kent day trip from London:

• Prime seafront location overlooking Margate Main Sands

• Fresh, responsibly sourced seasonal seafood

• Freshly shucked oysters and seafood platters

• A lively seafood bar

• Handcrafted cocktails and signature Bloody Marys

• Oyster Happy Hour with 2-for-1 oysters and margaritas

• Beautiful beachfront terrace

• Stylish apartments for guests wishing to stay longer

Every detail has been designed to showcase the very best of Margate's food, hospitality and coastal charm.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a Kent day trip from London, Buoy & Oyster is the perfect destination to complete your visit. From fresh seasonal seafood and expertly crafted drinks to breathtaking sea views and warm hospitality, the restaurant captures everything that makes a day by the Kent coast so enjoyable.

Whether you stop by for freshly shucked oysters, share a seafood platter with friends, sip a signature Bloody Mary in the seafood bar, or decide to stay overnight in one of the stylish apartments, Buoy & Oyster offers an unforgettable seaside experience in the heart of Margate.